The roadshow is an initiative out of Macquarie University’s (MQ) LEAP (Learning, Education, Aspiration, Participation) program, which aims to broaden aspirations, create possibilities and actively support students from backgrounds that are traditionally under represented in higher education to successfully participate and succeed at university.

LEAP is funded by the Commonwealth government's Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).

The 2019 Mid North Coast Roadshow brings a different array of representatives from Macquarie University. Pro Vice Chancellor (Programs and Pathways) Professor Sean Brawley returns with Professor Mark Williams, Department of Cognitive Science.

The team of 14 will host daytime taster sessions for high school students, teacher consultations, and after-hours parent and community forums.

Local students, their families, teachers and community members will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the university, its study options, and additional offerings such as overseas exchange. The “taster” sessions include a range of disciplines including economics and cognitive science, clinical science, chiropractic, and ancient history/archaeology.

Along with these disciplines representatives from MQ’s student services, student accommodation facility Dunmore Lang College and Office of Indigenous Strategy will be part of the team to talk about important issues such as scholarships, accommodation and indigenous support.

Students will get to handle artefacts from MQ’s Museum of Ancient Cultures, be transported to Dunmore Lang College using virtual reality goggles, and speak to academics and current Macquarie students.

Professor Brawley said the roadshow has been designed to address a range of challenges facing regionally-based students who have limited access to university campuses.

“We know that having contact with and visiting a university can influence a young person’s decision to pursue further education. That’s not as simple for students in regional and rural areas, so we are bringing Macquarie University to the coast,” said Professor Brawley.

One important aspect that Professor Brawley is keen to share with students and their parents are the many pathways to university study.

“It is particularly important that both parents and students understand that the ATAR is not the only pathway into university. At Macquarie we have 11 different admission pathways, so I especially encourage students who had previously not considered university as an option to visit us while we’re on the coast and let us answer any questions they have.”

The Macquarie University Team will be holding a ‘Taster’ in Taree on Thursday February 14 for students from Wingham, Chatham, Taree, and St Clare’s High Schools. Later that day they will host a Sundowner Community network event. On Friday February 15 they are holding a Parents Breakfast at Taree.